At COTA SA, we continue to hear the mounting financial pressures being experienced by people aged 50+. Our ‘pulse check’ survey continues to highlight ‘cost-of-living’ as the top concern amongst older South Australians.
In partnership with Wyatt Trust, The Plug-in is excited to share our latest project – Co-designing a cost-of living support program.
The aim of this project is to understand the experiences of people who have lived in, or currently experience, financial hardship. Together, we will co-design a program that supports people aged 50+ experiencing cost-of-living pressures to access peer guidance and support that will help individuals take steps to regaining financial control.
Why should I get involved?
Your participation in this project provides an opportunity to share real-life experience of what it is like to live with financial pressure as someone aged over 50 years old.
Many people have been facing some challenging times recently and we do not want to add a burden for you in participating in this project. However, if you feel comfortable to share your experiences, this is an opportunity to help shape a program that can help people just like you as they navigate financial challenges.
Your involvement will help us to understand the realities of cost-pressures being experienced right now for older people. You will help shape what the program should look like to ensure it meets the needs of older people experiencing financial hardship.
How to get involved – metropolitan Adelaide
If you are 50+ and have experience in financial hardship, we want to hear from you. Participants of this project will be:
- Aged between 50-67 with past or current experience of financial hardship;
- Aged 67+ with past or current experience of financial hardship, preferably receiving, but not limited to, part or full pension;
- Able to attend an in-person workshop mid-May 2025, 60-90 minutes duration, in metropolitan Adelaide.
Participants of the co-design workshops will be invited to attend an additional workshop in late June to see a concept of the navigation program and test its design.
How to get involved – regional / remote South Australia
In August 2025, The Plug-in will facilitate engagement activities to hear from people aged 50+, living in regional or remote locations in South Australia, to understand the experiences of individuals in financial hardship and what supports would be accessible and useful in remote locations.
If you live outside of metropolitan Adelaide and are willing to share your experiences, please register your interest for this stage of the project using the button below.
What if I haven’t been involved in co-design activities?
You don’t need any previous experience in co-design to get involved! Our friendly workshop facilitators will provide simple tools and activities to unpack and shape your ideas.
Sharing and hearing experiences of financial struggle can be confronting. Participation is this project is voluntary and you can dictate your level of participation or opt out at any time. The Plug-in is committed to providing safe spaces for participation and anonymity in any reporting. Personal information is not used or shared without express consent — you can read our privacy policy on the COTA SA website (privacy statement).
If you are experiencing financial difficulties, free information and advice can be accessed through the National Debt Helpline 1800 007 007 or www.ndh.org.au.
There are also support services accessible through Department of Human Services, visit Financial hardship | DHS, or contact via phone:
- National Debt Helpline on1800 007 007
- Affordable SA Helpline on1800 025 539
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can call the free Mob Strong Debt Helpline on 1800 808 488
The information you share with us helps COTA SA and The Plug-in to understand what is important to older people. Through your participation and contribution, you are raising the voices of older people and supporting the important work of COTA SA.
Contact us
You can contact The Plug-in anytime to learn more about about this project and other opportunities:
08 8224 5526
email to: connect@theplugin.com.au
https://www.facebook.com/ThePluginAus
